LUIGI OCCHINO

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LUIGI OCCHINO On November 8, 1999, after a courageous and lengthy battle, Luigi Occhino age 52 years was summoned by the Lord. Luigi was diagnosed with leukemia last fall and had entered a unique treatment program, due to the complexity of his condition. It was the complications that arose from the treatment that eventually took his life. Luigi was born in Accquaro, Reggio, Calabria on July6, 1947. In 1970 he came to Winnipeg and met his future wife "the girl of his dreams" and began building what was to become the centre of his universe, his family of three children. They were the focal point of Luigis life and along with his wife they proved to be his greatest accomplishments. He then reached another joyful plateau, his two grandchildren who he got to enjoy in the last few years. Luigi was employed by Canadian Pacific Railway in Winnipeg for 25 years. As a new Canadian he forged many friendships that would last a lifetime. Luigi also gave back to the community that had welcomed him. He achieved his St. Johns Ambulance certificate and gave his services freely. With a passion for magic he took on his stage name as Mr. Majestic. His other passions included hunting, fishing and a good game of cards and his NFL Football (Denver Broncos). Luigi leaves to cherish his wife and best friend Filomena; daughters, Daveria (Dero) Sabatini and Gisella (Massimo) Vacchio; son Luigi Jr.; and precious grandchildren, Dario and Allesia; brother Giacomo (Maria) sister Lina (Michele) mother and father-in-law Lucia and Pasquale; brothers and sisters-in-law, Agata (Fioravante), Adriana (Carmine) and Attilio (Toni) as well as many nephews, nieces, cousins and numerous close friends. Luigi was predeceased by his father Francesco, mother Saveria and sister Francesca. The family would like to express their many thanks to the BMT Team and staff on GD6 at the Health Sciences Centre. Prayers will be held on Thursday, November 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Holy Rosary Parish, 510 River Ave. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 12, at 10:00 a.m. also at the Parish with Fr. Sam Argenziano officiating. Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery. Pallbearers will be, Dero Sabatini, Massimo Vacchio, Sabino Urciuoli, Primiano Bellisario, Rocca Giampaolo and Carlo Bettoni. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Luigis memory to the Manitoba Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation (Lukemia), 100 Olivia St., R3E 9Z9. Daddy, this is when we say Good-Bye, but only till we meet again, so for now rest in peace and keep on smiling. Cropo Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements, 586-8044.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 10, 1999